NASPSPA Secretary Treasurer Election

NASPSPA has shaped my academic identity since my first meeting in 2012, offering mentorship, community, and professional growth throughout my career. These values, especially the Society’s prioritization of student development, deeply align with my own. I have maintained a consistent presence at NASPSPA meetings, either through my presentations or those of the students I work with, since 2018, and in recent years have reinvigorated my involvement through expanded mentoring and service. I have also contributed through service on the Sport and Exercise Psychology Program Committee, participation in the Mid‑Career Mentoring Program, and repeated roles as a session moderator at the annual meeting. These experiences have strengthened my appreciation for NASPSPA’s culture of collegiality, inclusion, and mentorship.

In addition to my long-standing engagement with NASPSPA, I am an Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Director of the Center for Women’s Health and Wellness at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. My research examines the motivational processes that shape physical activity and sedentary behavior across the lifespan, using ecological momentary assessment and remote sensing technologies to understand behavior in everyday contexts. I have led NIH‑funded studies and published more than 75 peer‑reviewed articles. The rigor and innovation of my work have been recognized through several awards, including NASPSPA’s 2023 Early Career Distinguished Scholar Award.

My administrative experience managing large research budgets and overseeing Center operations positions me well to excel as Secretary/Treasurer. With your support, I look forward to serving as NASPSPA’s next Secretary/Treasurer and contributing to the Society’s continued growth and impact.

I am an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health and Director of the Youth Sports Research Council at Rutgers University. NASPSPA became my professional home at the 2011 Burlington conference. This June marks my 16th consecutive meeting.

My research explores how psychological and social factors shape physical activity and sport participation from childhood through young adulthood. My work on social exclusion earned the 2017 Excellence in Research Award from JSEP. With NASPSPA colleagues, I co-authored a 2023 paper describing the demographic characteristics of participants in our field’s research, highlighting how stronger reporting and broader recruitment can produce more representative science. These are a product of the collaborative community NASPSPA prioritizes and nurtures.

My service contributions include the Sport and Exercise Psychology Program & Philanthropic Committees, Teaching Network, and moderating conference sessions. I’ve mentored 30+ students through 13 co-authored presentations and being a familiar face at poster sessions (especially for first-timers) is core to my NASPSPA identity. These experiences sharpened my view of NASPSPA’s strengths, our student-centered culture, and the value of strategic financial support.

As Director,  I generated over $1.1 million in new revenue for Rutgers and optimized expenditures. This role requires financial discipline, long-term planning, and clear stakeholder communication. I will bring these skills to the NASPSPA Secretary-Treasurer position.

If elected, I’ll maintain precise financial records so the next generation finds the same professional “home” that has shaped so many of us. I’d be honored to earn your support and serve as our next Secretary-Treasurer.